AN/ASQ-235 Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS)

Last updated: 31 Dec 2018

Point of Contact
Naval Sea Systems Command

Office of Corporate Communication (SEA 00D)
Washington, D.C. 20376

Description
The AMNS deploys expendable neutralization vehicles (destructors) from a Launch and Handling System (LHS), which is supported from the MH-60S helicopter. The vehicle is controlled from the common console while it performs positive identification before warhead detonation is commanded. AMNS will deploy either as part of a Mine Countermeasures Mission Package on the Littoral Combat Ship or on other aviation-capable platforms, or may be shore-based as required to support fleet operations.

The AMNS consists of two major subsystems, the LHS and destructor. The LHS consists of all hardware and software necessary for data processing during an AMNS mission. The LHS manages the destructors during helicopter transit and launch phases, and provides a communications interface between the destructors and the common console. The LHS interfaces with the Carriage, Stream, Tow and Recovery System and can carry up to four destructors on any one mission. Each of the four destructors can be launched, one at a time, without recovering the LHS. The destructor communicates with the common console via a fiber-optic data link and provides sonar and video data to the common console for display and use by the sensor operator. The destructor contains a sonar, video camera, and light to accomplish target reacquisition, identification, and prosecution. The destructor is negatively buoyant, has six degrees of motion, can maintain a hover position, and can be operated in either automatic or manual mode. Additionally, the destructor can monitor depth and relative distance from the bottom and has the ability to avoid bottom plowing. The destructor's position is determined by an Integrated Track Point II acoustic tracking system contained in the LHS.

Background
The U.S. Navy established a requirement for rapid neutralization of bottom and moored sea mines to support operations in littoral zones, confined straits, choke points and the amphibious objective area. The AMNS will satisfy this need. The war-fighting payoff represents a new resource, providing commanders with a rapid, organic mine neutralization capability against bottom and moored sea mines to support the objectives of the Carrier Strike Group and Expeditionary Strike Group.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Neutralizes unburied bottom and moored sea mines that are located during mine hunting operations.

Contractor: Raytheon (LHS) and BAE Systems (Destructor)

Date Deployed: Initial Operational Capability achieved Nov. 18, 2016.

Point of Contact
Naval Sea Systems Command

Office of Corporate Communication (SEA 00D)
Washington, D.C. 20376

Google Translation Disclaimer